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Satirical Illustrations Of Today’s Problems Drawn In The Style Of The 50s
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Satirical Illustrations Of Today’s Problems Drawn In The Style Of The 50s

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John Holcroft is a well-known British illustrator who has worked for BBC, Reader’s Digest, The Guardian and the Financial Times, among others. However, what makes him famous are not his employers, but the brilliant satire reflected in his illustrations and the retro style he uses to create them.

Everytime Holcroft publishes a new drawing, they inevitably go viral and spread all over the Internet. His style is based on advertisements from the 50’s, and he reproduces everything from their visual design style down to their aged vintage feel.

The content of these illustrations, however, is anything but old-fashioned – social issues and modern behavior drawn in a satirical way. The issues he focuses on include our dependence on technology, society’s greed and the devaluation of workers, just to name a few.

More info: johnholcroft.com | Behance | Facebook (via: BoredPanda.es)

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anasofia_delaconcepcion avatar
FayaVillar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i loved the one with the doctor and the coin.REALLY accurate.

karthik_sabapathy_7 avatar
C. Silva avatar
C.Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved the one with the man watching TV, growing roots out of his a** into the chair... Also true if you sit all day in front of the computer

bertulis_berzins avatar
BērtulisBērziņš
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at least at computer the mind has possibility to learn, discover or just wander in somewhere nice. while at TV, whell you know yourself

Load More Replies...
Melodie avatar
laramariah avatar
LaraFellfrom-sky
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess no matter how much you dress it up we are all still slaves to the machine, cogs in the same wheel...there are no "individuals"

Load More Replies...
victorbanana avatar
Victorbanana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i did not understand half of that but still cool illustartions!!

54c172fa738a3 avatar
Star Tripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. one of the biggest problems in this day and age is the overuse of cellphones and just sitting around.

54c172fa738a3 avatar
StarTripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. a big problem for me in this day and age is the use of cell phones.

tadrianairina avatar
IrinaAdriana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is about how the sistem is going WORLWIDE....if you don't practicly SEE IT doesen't meen it is NOT HAPPENING!!!!

 avatar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very interest... Hmmm... Are you want the finger? ^^

clintonics avatar
ClintCiroula
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure that the creator of these illustrations wanted them to be posted on a click-website aimed at earning revenue from advertisements.

alexmurphy avatar
Alex Murphy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i agree the world is relying on too many things that could easily make them think they are happy but in reality aren't

mollyadams1990 avatar
MollyAdams
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love those beautiful pounds dropping out of the smoke. Just lovely. I get the theme of this art, but I do love those beautiful coins.

monical avatar
MonicaL
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would not say it's in the style of the 50s at all but still cool

Farelle20 avatar
FarelleSchwarzenberg
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....we are being controlled by money and indoctrinated social values, but we are made believe that fullfilling those will make us happy....

gleo avatar
gleo
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people getting all up in each other's comment boxes are hilarious - sadly no mention of Jesus or homosexuals. Loving the illustrations!

liyana_pama avatar
Liyana Pama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. A treat for the mind and eye.

liyana_pama avatar
LiyanaPama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. What a treat for the mind and eye.

stina_bush_7 avatar
StinaBush
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Read the comments and was disappointed. All people ever do is fight about stuff with one another good god.

desiree_attard avatar
Desiree'Attard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bank one is on point! Des | http://theanti-tourist.blogspot.com

natalie_naron_3 avatar
NatalieNaron
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha, apparently he got his point across.....on so many levels

line_l_hansen avatar
LineHansen
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Love this ! And agree. And i am inspired to do something good to throug my own art, in my way <3 Thank you!

james_dickerson_5686 avatar
JamesDickerson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one with the people at the teat of the piggy bank makes more sense the other way around. It is the bank who suckles the teats of people.

lilyluty avatar
Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Possibly emblematic of a. doctors damaged by system, b. human error in system c. crumbling nhs d. financial problems, but whatever

john_schmidt_1044 avatar
JohnSchmidt
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little overwrought in some instances - but very clever and enjoyable!!

lilyluty avatar
Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is everyone arguing about the US healthcare system-what we have right there is a doctor being powered by pound coins, not dollars

Sred91 avatar
Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not agree with the Doctor illustrations. They still do much more than their money's worth.Try the bankers, property tycoons, politicians.

Sred91 avatar
Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't agree with the Doctor illustration. They still are doing way more than their money's worth!

nguyenthuyan259 avatar
Thụy An
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the one with the girl and the phone, it should be a smartphone with larger screen :)

arunkumar_1 avatar
ArunKumar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blame it on the doctor..while the MBAs who ruined the country get a free pass. Sometimes I feel people deserve what they get.

Vivianisima avatar
VivianaArcos
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No me gustó la ilustración del médico, no representa el problema del sistema de salud. Es irrespetuoso y denigrante.

547ceda814fb4 avatar
Mercedes Riaño
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somos esclavos de:la tecnología ,del trabajo,del dinero,del consumismo y nos olvidamos de hablar ,de compartir muchas cosas hermosas.

sarahann1990 avatar
SarahGarside
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor one is very true, look at him he's shattered there putting money in his back to start him up again > Robot. Have respect!

basukashyap avatar
Basu Kashyap
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't get the one in which a girl is looking in her cellphone and vines growing around her

UmeshShebe avatar
UmeshShebe
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing !!! What imagination and execution. Brilliantly done.

blankanovkov avatar
Blanka Nováková
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if it wasn´t so sad, it would be great...I mean it´s too true to smile. But I admire the author for brilliant thoughts!! Real life.

nick_wogatzke avatar
NickWogatzke
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad honestly. Reminds me of when comedians bring up actual sad yet true topics and people laugh. I wonder if they hope for less laughter.

skotpepper-heath avatar
Skot Pepper-Heath
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

on that note, I am glad I left my phone charger at work for the night and I am closing my computer...

joshua_r_taylor_1 avatar
JoshuaTaylor
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very good comment on our social culture. The expendable workforce coupled with the idea of them 'burning out' like matches is very poignant

allieagrella avatar
allieagrella
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clever commentary on our society, although a little pessimistic!

georgia_nicoll_1 avatar
PipPin
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love all of them, very poignant. Just don't understand the one with the man in the spotty suit? Someone explain?

lisa_hyman_35 avatar
LisaHyman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantastic, do you think the youth of today would understand the illustrations? Excellent and very true!

paul_smit_1441 avatar
PaulSmit
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very true. The polka dot man is the artist who can no longer survive on the non-sales of his art. He has no choice to be in a slave gang.

anne_crippa_9 avatar
AnneCrippa
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantástico ponto de vista e sensibilidade para ironizar a realidade desta forma!! Parabéns pelo excelente trabalho!! :)

buttercup58 avatar
GretchenCantoni
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor should have been the insurance company- here in America doctors work more and more for free.

elisa_evers avatar
Elisa Evers
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of them look very funny but actually it's sad because it't true.

brassman avatar
Sean Brassman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please! What good is 1 running shoe going to do me? I AM NOT HAPPY!

C. Silva avatar
C. Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also loved the "coin operated" doctor: just drop the cash in, and get that sick cert for next Monday :)

arjan_vanmourik_946 avatar
ArjanvanMourik
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great content and drawings (love the 3D without any perspective), but the aged noise just feels like a really cheap and unnecessary trick.

anasofia_delaconcepcion avatar
FayaVillar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i loved the one with the doctor and the coin.REALLY accurate.

karthik_sabapathy_7 avatar
C. Silva avatar
C.Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved the one with the man watching TV, growing roots out of his a** into the chair... Also true if you sit all day in front of the computer

bertulis_berzins avatar
BērtulisBērziņš
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at least at computer the mind has possibility to learn, discover or just wander in somewhere nice. while at TV, whell you know yourself

Load More Replies...
Melodie avatar
laramariah avatar
LaraFellfrom-sky
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess no matter how much you dress it up we are all still slaves to the machine, cogs in the same wheel...there are no "individuals"

Load More Replies...
victorbanana avatar
Victorbanana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i did not understand half of that but still cool illustartions!!

54c172fa738a3 avatar
Star Tripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. one of the biggest problems in this day and age is the overuse of cellphones and just sitting around.

54c172fa738a3 avatar
StarTripping
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think it's great. a big problem for me in this day and age is the use of cell phones.

tadrianairina avatar
IrinaAdriana
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is about how the sistem is going WORLWIDE....if you don't practicly SEE IT doesen't meen it is NOT HAPPENING!!!!

 avatar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very interest... Hmmm... Are you want the finger? ^^

clintonics avatar
ClintCiroula
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure that the creator of these illustrations wanted them to be posted on a click-website aimed at earning revenue from advertisements.

alexmurphy avatar
Alex Murphy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i agree the world is relying on too many things that could easily make them think they are happy but in reality aren't

mollyadams1990 avatar
MollyAdams
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love those beautiful pounds dropping out of the smoke. Just lovely. I get the theme of this art, but I do love those beautiful coins.

monical avatar
MonicaL
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would not say it's in the style of the 50s at all but still cool

Farelle20 avatar
FarelleSchwarzenberg
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....we are being controlled by money and indoctrinated social values, but we are made believe that fullfilling those will make us happy....

gleo avatar
gleo
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people getting all up in each other's comment boxes are hilarious - sadly no mention of Jesus or homosexuals. Loving the illustrations!

liyana_pama avatar
Liyana Pama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. A treat for the mind and eye.

liyana_pama avatar
LiyanaPama
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! Also proper satire not cheap-shot falsehoods masquerading. What a treat for the mind and eye.

stina_bush_7 avatar
StinaBush
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Read the comments and was disappointed. All people ever do is fight about stuff with one another good god.

desiree_attard avatar
Desiree'Attard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bank one is on point! Des | http://theanti-tourist.blogspot.com

natalie_naron_3 avatar
NatalieNaron
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha, apparently he got his point across.....on so many levels

line_l_hansen avatar
LineHansen
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Love this ! And agree. And i am inspired to do something good to throug my own art, in my way <3 Thank you!

james_dickerson_5686 avatar
JamesDickerson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one with the people at the teat of the piggy bank makes more sense the other way around. It is the bank who suckles the teats of people.

lilyluty avatar
Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Possibly emblematic of a. doctors damaged by system, b. human error in system c. crumbling nhs d. financial problems, but whatever

john_schmidt_1044 avatar
JohnSchmidt
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little overwrought in some instances - but very clever and enjoyable!!

lilyluty avatar
Lily Luty
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is everyone arguing about the US healthcare system-what we have right there is a doctor being powered by pound coins, not dollars

Sred91 avatar
Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not agree with the Doctor illustrations. They still do much more than their money's worth.Try the bankers, property tycoons, politicians.

Sred91 avatar
Sred91
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't agree with the Doctor illustration. They still are doing way more than their money's worth!

nguyenthuyan259 avatar
Thụy An
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the one with the girl and the phone, it should be a smartphone with larger screen :)

arunkumar_1 avatar
ArunKumar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blame it on the doctor..while the MBAs who ruined the country get a free pass. Sometimes I feel people deserve what they get.

Vivianisima avatar
VivianaArcos
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No me gustó la ilustración del médico, no representa el problema del sistema de salud. Es irrespetuoso y denigrante.

547ceda814fb4 avatar
Mercedes Riaño
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somos esclavos de:la tecnología ,del trabajo,del dinero,del consumismo y nos olvidamos de hablar ,de compartir muchas cosas hermosas.

sarahann1990 avatar
SarahGarside
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor one is very true, look at him he's shattered there putting money in his back to start him up again > Robot. Have respect!

basukashyap avatar
Basu Kashyap
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't get the one in which a girl is looking in her cellphone and vines growing around her

UmeshShebe avatar
UmeshShebe
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing !!! What imagination and execution. Brilliantly done.

blankanovkov avatar
Blanka Nováková
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if it wasn´t so sad, it would be great...I mean it´s too true to smile. But I admire the author for brilliant thoughts!! Real life.

nick_wogatzke avatar
NickWogatzke
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad honestly. Reminds me of when comedians bring up actual sad yet true topics and people laugh. I wonder if they hope for less laughter.

skotpepper-heath avatar
Skot Pepper-Heath
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

on that note, I am glad I left my phone charger at work for the night and I am closing my computer...

joshua_r_taylor_1 avatar
JoshuaTaylor
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very good comment on our social culture. The expendable workforce coupled with the idea of them 'burning out' like matches is very poignant

allieagrella avatar
allieagrella
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clever commentary on our society, although a little pessimistic!

georgia_nicoll_1 avatar
PipPin
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love all of them, very poignant. Just don't understand the one with the man in the spotty suit? Someone explain?

lisa_hyman_35 avatar
LisaHyman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantastic, do you think the youth of today would understand the illustrations? Excellent and very true!

paul_smit_1441 avatar
PaulSmit
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very true. The polka dot man is the artist who can no longer survive on the non-sales of his art. He has no choice to be in a slave gang.

anne_crippa_9 avatar
AnneCrippa
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantástico ponto de vista e sensibilidade para ironizar a realidade desta forma!! Parabéns pelo excelente trabalho!! :)

buttercup58 avatar
GretchenCantoni
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doctor should have been the insurance company- here in America doctors work more and more for free.

elisa_evers avatar
Elisa Evers
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of them look very funny but actually it's sad because it't true.

brassman avatar
Sean Brassman
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please! What good is 1 running shoe going to do me? I AM NOT HAPPY!

C. Silva avatar
C. Silva
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also loved the "coin operated" doctor: just drop the cash in, and get that sick cert for next Monday :)

arjan_vanmourik_946 avatar
ArjanvanMourik
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great content and drawings (love the 3D without any perspective), but the aged noise just feels like a really cheap and unnecessary trick.

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